Recently, Recommend had the opportunity to attend a pop-up event showcasing the soon-to-open, adults-only UNICO 20˚87˚Hotel Riviera Maya. The pop-up event, which was set up in order to highlight what makes this property/brand unique, put the spotlight on the property’s exclusive mescal cocktails, its varied art, and custom-made bathroom amenities. “Relaxed luxury.” That’s how Mary Carmen Simon, the hotel’s director of culture, puts it when describing the property.
During the pop-up we learned that this all-inclusive, which will focus on millennials and debut in Mexico this March, will be unique in that it’ll include a few spa services and tours in its nightly rate. Simon points out that the property is ideal for “explorers and married couples who love to travel and aren’t afraid to spend a little more for a luxury experience, and want a relaxed experience.”
The ideal guest for UNICO 20˚87˚ is the aspirational traveler, someone who is spontaneous and wants to experience the unexpected, and someone who wants to experience a genuine connection to the destination.
—Frank Maduro, Vice President of Marketing, AIC Hotel Group
The hotel will offer poolside pop-up happenings, a rotating chef restaurant—Cueva Siete— with the first chef lined up to be chef Christian Bravo, who participated in Mexico’s version of “Top Chef,” and tours that will immerse guests in the local culture. The property aims to immerse guests in Mexico by showcasing local talent and artists through the on-property artwork, tours, and experiences.
Here’s a Q&A with Frank Maduro, v.p. of marketing, AIC Hotel Group, so you can get a little more insight on what’s in store.
Michelle Marie Arean (MMA): What sets UNICO 20˚87˚apart from other hotels?
Frank Maduro (FM): UNICO 20˚87˚steps outside the box of traditional all-inclusives, and creates an entirely new kind of immersive experience. It offers a real, unfiltered view of modern Mexico and a deep connection to the region. At UNICO, we embrace the local culture, from the food and drink to the spa treatments, the excursions and more.
MMA: What unique experiences can guests look forward to at UNICO 20˚87˚?
FM: You’ll find unique food offerings—from boozy pibil’s “pig roast” to a rotating chef restaurant—and a mixology program, pop-up events and programming including mixology classes, live art by local artists, acoustic sunsets and more. Additionally, select spa treatments and tours/excursions, along with unlimited golf are all included, which departs from the traditional all-inclusive stay. Lastly, guests can look forward to a very natural but present sense of local pride and culture.
MMA: What should agents keep in mind when booking their clients at UNICO 20˚87˚?
FM: This isn’t a cookie-cutter property, so their client shouldn’t be expecting the typical all-inclusive experience.
MMA: Who is the ideal guest for UNICO 20˚87˚?
FM: The ideal guest for UNICO 20˚87˚ is the aspirational traveler, someone who is spontaneous and wants to experience the unexpected, and someone who wants to experience a genuine connection to the destination.
MMA: Can you tell me a little bit about how the spa experiences will be different?
FM: Our spa experiences cater to body, mind, and spirit through a range of luxury spa treatments, UNICO 20˚87˚signature treatments, and locally inspired beauty rituals such as the Agave Ritual and the Diamond Experience Rose Massage. We also use a wide variety of natural ingredients to help create an immersive relaxing environment.
MMA: What types of spa services exactly are included in the nightly rate?
FM: We have 10 spa services that are included in the nightly rate that range from traditional massages, signature massages, exfoliation treatments, body wraps, facials, a sun relief treatment and unique rituals.
MMA: Can you explain how the bathroom amenities station at the spa for guests to use in-room will work?
FM: Upon arrival to their room, guests will find an invitation for a one-time visit to the the Esencia Beauty Bar on us—a space that will offer a selection of customizable bathroom amenities, including bath oils and salts. Guests will be able to select from their favorite products on a complimentary basis and take to their room to enjoy during their stay.
MMA: What types of excursions will be offered via the property?
FM: UNICO 20˚87˚ will offer a variety of excursions—from guided tours of historic sites like Chichen Itza and Muyil to a cool swim in magical cenotes topped off by a traditional Yucatecan meal, as well as ziplining, access to natural reef parks like Garrafon, a journey through Tulum and Coba, a trek through a Mayan village and more.
MMA: What other locations are in the pipeline?
FM: We’re looking at a number of locations for future properties before we narrow it down. Each location will be different and embrace its respective destination and culture through design, art, F&B and various experiences both on- and off-property.
MMA: What are your thoughts on the new all-inclusive concept you’re creating with UNICO?
FM: There’s a void in the all-inclusive sector, and this brand fills that void. UNICO creates an entirely new category that is defined by relaxed luxury and culturally immersive experiences.
Rates start at $207 pp per night now through Feb. 28, 2017, during the property’s pre-opening special, for travel March 1-Dec. 22, 2017.
Agents, take note: FAMs to the property will be available as of March, but for those who want more information on the property now, the sales team is educating agents through hard hat tours or webinars that can be found at allinagents.com. For more information, visit unicohotelrivieramaya.com.
